Saturday, June 9, 2012
exo
Exo ( /ˌɛks ˈəʊ/ eks-oh; Korean: 엑소; stylized as EXO) is a Chinese-South Korean boy band produced by S.M. Entertainment. Formed in 2011 in Seoul, South Korea, Exo comprises twelve members separated into two subgroups, Exo-K and Exo-M, promoting their music simultaneously in both South Korea and China respectively. Their name was taken from exoplanet,[1] a term referring to planets outside of the Solar System. Their debut single "Mama" was released on April 8, 2012, followed by the release of their debut EP Mama on April 9, 2012.[2][3]
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 2011: Formation
1.2 2012–present: Debut and Mama
2 Members
2.1 Exo-K
2.2 Exo-M
3 Discography
4 Tours
5 References
6 External links
History
2011: Formation
In January 2011, producer Lee Soo-man of S.M. Entertainment announced his plans to debut a new boy band in March or April 2011.[4] Temporarily named M1, the group appeared to have consisted of only seven members when a photo of them in a dance studio leaked online.[5] In May 2011, Lee spoke about the group in a Hallyu business seminar held in Stanford University. In the presentation, he explained his strategy of separating the group into two subgroups, M1 and M2, and have them promote the same music in both Korea and China, performing the songs in both Korean and Mandarin.[6] Lee planned to launch the group in May 2011, but their debut was delayed and news concerning the group did not surface until October 2011, when Lee briefly discussed about the group's concept plans in an interview with The Chosun Ilbo.[7]
In December 2011, the group finalized their name to Exo, with the names Exo-K for the Korea subgroup and Exo-M for the China subgroup. The twelve members were introduced individually through twenty-three different teaser trailers released from December 2011 to February 2012.[1][8] Kai, Lu Han, Tao, and Chen, the first four members introduced, debuted their first public performance at the SBS's Gayo Daejun event on December 29, 2011.[9]
2012–present: Debut and Mama
Exo-K and Exo-M's prologue single "What Is Love" was released on January 30, 2012, through iTunes and various online retailers from China and South Korea,[10] where the single peaked at number eighty-eight on South Korea's Gaon Single Chart. On March 9, the group released their second prologue single "History,"[11] which was written and produced by Thomas Troelsen and Remee. The single peaked at number sixty-eight on the Gaon Single Chart and number six on China's Sina Music Chart.[12]
A concert showcase for the group was held in Seoul's Olympic Stadium on March 31, one hundred days after Exo debuted their first trailer on December 21, 2011.[13] Approximately 3,000 fans from 8,000 applicants were selected to attend the showcase.[14] A second showcase was held in the Great Hall of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China on April 1.[15]
Exo-K and Exo-M released their debut single "Mama" on April 8,[16] followed by an EP, Mama, on April 9. On April 8, Exo-K made their debut performance on South Korea's music program The Music Trend, while Exo-M performed at China's 12th Yinyue Fengyun Bang Awards that same day.[17][18] One day after release, "Mama" reached number one on various Chinese online retailers and music charts.[19] Exo-M's album peaked at number two on China's Sina Album Chart, number five on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart, and debuted at number twelve on the Billboard World Albums Chart,[20] while Exo-K's album peaked at number one on the Gaon Album Chart[21] and debuted at number eight on the Billboard World Albums Chart.[20] Exo-M's "Mama" music video peaked at number one on Chinese streaming websites, and Exo-K's version reached to number seven on YouTube's Global Chart.[22]
Members
Exo-K
Suho (Korean: 수호) is the leader[13] of Exo-K. He was born Kim Joon-myun (Korean: 김준면; Hanja: 金俊綿) on May 22, 1991 in Seoul, South Korea, and is the first Exo member to become an S.M. Entertainment trainee at sixteen years old.[23] He joined the company after auditioning for the S.M. Casting System, a talent audition held by the company annually. In 2008, Suho made a brief appearance in TVXQ's music video, "HaHaHa Song" along with Exo-K's Kai and Chanyeol. Suho was formally introduced as a member on February 15, 2012.[24] He currently attends Korea National University of Arts to earn a degree in acting.
Kai (Korean: 카이) was born Kim Jong-in (Korean: 김종인; Hanja: 金鐘仁) on January 14, 1994 in Seoul, South Korea. He was cast into S.M. Entertainment after winning in the company's Youth Best Contest in 2007. Prior to joining S.M. Entertainment, Kai was trained in ballet and jazz dance.[25] In 2008, he made a brief appearance in TVXQ's music video, "HaHaHa Song" along with Exo-K's Suho and Chanyeol. Kai was the first of the twelve members to be formally introduced through teaser trailers; his teaser was released on December 23, 2011.[26] Kai appeared in twelve more trailers in the next three months, and performed with Exo-M's Lu Han, Tao, and Chen on SBS's Gayo Daejun event on December 29, 2011.
Sehun (Korean: 세훈) was born Oh Se-hun (Korean: 오세훈; Hanja: 吳世勛) on April 12, 1994 in Seoul, South Korea. Sehun was scouted by a casting agent in the streets when he was twelve, and was successfully cast into S.M. Entertainment in 2008, after going through four auditions in two years.[25] Sehun was formally introduced as a member on January 10, 2012.[27]
Baekhyun (Korean: 백현) was born Byun Baek-hyun (Korean: 변백현; Hanja: 卞白賢) on May 6, 1992 in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and attended Jungwon High School. He joined the school's musical band and won an award at a local rock festival. While studying for his entrance exams, he was scouted by an S.M. Entertainment casting agent and was cast into the company through the S.M. Casting System in 2011.[23] Baekhyun was formally introduced as a member on January 30, 2012.[28]
D.O. (Korean: 디오) was born Do Kyung-soo (Korean: 도경수; Hanja: 度慶洙) on January 12, 1993 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. After winning in a singing competition, he was cast into S.M. Entertainment through the S.M. Casting System in 2010.[25] D.O. was formally introduced as a member on January 30, 2012.[28]
Chanyeol (Korean: 찬열) was born Park Chan-yeol (Korean: 박찬열; Hanja: 朴燦烈) on November 27, 1992 in Seoul, South Korea, and attended Hyundai Chungun High School in Dong-gu, Ulsan. When he was sixteen years old, he was enrolled in a private acting institution.[23] Skilled in the drums, Chanyeol formed a temporary band with his high school classmates, and won second place in a televised modeling contest.[29] He was cast into S.M. Entertainment through the S.M. Casting System in 2008, and made a brief appearance in TVXQ's music video, "HaHaHa Song" that same year. In 2010, Chanyeol starred in the music video of Girls' Generation Japanese single, "Genie." Chanyeol was the last member to be formally introduced, on February 23, 2012.
Exo-M
Kris is the leader[13] of Exo-M. Also known by his Chinese name Wu Fan (simplified Chinese: 吴凡; traditional Chinese: 吳凡; pinyin: Wú Fán; Cantonese Yale: Ng4 Faan4), Kris was born Li Jiaheng (Chinese: 李嘉恒; pinyin: Lǐ Jiāhéng; Cantonese Yale: Lei5 Ga1-hang4)[30] on November 6, 1990 in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, and holds Canadian citizenship. In 2007, Kris was cast into S.M. Entertainment through the S.M. Global Audition held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Kris was formally introduced as a member on February 17, 2012.[31] Prior to joining the band, Kris made an appearance in an intermission video from the Taipei, Taiwan stop of the Girls' Generation Tour in 2011. Kris is fluent in four languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Korean.
Lu Han (Chinese: 鹿晗; pinyin: Lù Hán) was born on April 20, 1990 in Haidian District, Beijing, China. He graduated from the Beijing Shida Middle School and attended the Beijing Haidian Foreign Language Shi Yan School before leaving for South Korea to attend Yonsei University as an exchange student. In 2008, Lu auditioned for JYP Entertainment's global audition held in China,[32][33] but failed the audition. In 2010, while studying in Seoul, Lu was scouted by an S.M. Entertainment casting agent, who recommended him to audition for the company's annual S.M. Casting System. His audition was successful, and he was put into Exo in 2011. Lu was the second of the twelve members to be formally introduced, on December 27, 2011.[34] Along with Tao, Chen, and Exo-K's Kai, Lu made his first televised performance on SBS's Gayo Daejun event on December 29. Lu currently attends the Seoul Institute of the Arts majoring in Applied Music.
Tao was born Huang Zitao (simplified Chinese: 黄子韬; traditional Chinese: 黃子韜; pinyin: Huáng Zitāo) on May 2, 1993 in Qingdao, Shandong, China. He is a formal pupil at Humen Centre Primary School, one of the most prestigious primary schools in Qingdao, and Qindao Middle School. Tao is a martial artist, and has been practicing Wushu since he was six years old.[35] When he stayed in Hong Kong, he won first place in a free style rapping competition.[citation needed] Tao was cast into S.M. Entertainment through the company's global casting system in 2011. He was the third to be formally introduced, on December 27, 2011.[36] Along with Lu Han, Chen, and Exo-K's Kai, Tao made his first televised performance on SBS's Gayo Daejun event on December 29.
Chen was born Kim Jong-dae (Korean: 김종대; Hanja: 金鐘大) on September 21, 1992 in South Korea. He was cast into S.M. Entertainment through the S.M. Casting System in 2011. Chen was the fourth member formally introduced, on December 29, 2011.[37] Along with Lu Han, Tao, and Exo-K's Kai, Chen had his first televised performance at SBS's Gayo Daejun event on December 29.
Lay was born Zhang Yixing (simplified Chinese: 张艺兴; traditional Chinese: 張藝興; pinyin: Zhāng Yìxīng) on October 7, 1991 in Changsha, Hunan, China. In 2008, he was cast into S.M. Entertainment through the company's global casting system. Prior to joining S.M. Entertainment, Lay was a local child star in China, and made guest performances in various Chinese variety shows. In 2011, Lay briefly worked for SHINee in their concert tour as Jonghyun's dance replacement. Lay was formally introduced as a member on January 17, 2012.[38]
Xiumin was born Kim Min-seok (Korean: 김민석; Hanja: 金珉碩) on March 26, 1990 in South Korea. In 2008, he was cast into S.M. Entertainment after winning second place in the S.M. Everysing Contest. Xiumin was formally introduced as a member on January 26, 2012.[39]
Discography
Main article: Exo discography
Mama (2012)
Tours
SMTown
SMTown Live World Tour III
Supporting act
Super Junior World Tour – Super Show 4 (Exo-M)
Other concert participation
2012 Dream Concert (Exo-K)
infinite
Background information
Origin Seoul, South Korea
Genres Pop, R&B, dance
Years active 2010–present
Labels Woollim Entertainment
Associated acts Epik High Nell
Website ifnt7.com infinite7.jp
Members
Sunggyu
Dongwoo
Woohyun
Hoya
Sungyeol
L
Sungjong
Korean name
Hangul 인피니트
Revised Romanization Inpiniteu
McCune–Reischauer Inp'init'ŭ
Infinite (Korean: 인피니트, Japanese: インフィニット; stylized as INFINITE) is a seven member South Korean pop boy group under Woollim Entertainment, which is also home to other talents such as Epik High and Nell. The group consists of 7 members: Sunggyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Hoya, Sungyeol, L, and Sungjong. The group is known for their highly synchronized dancing as well as the 'Scorpion Dance' in their "Before The Dawn" MV. With 2011 being their breakout year, Infinite continues to become successful and gain more popularity amongst other idol groups in both South Korea and Japan.
Contents [hide]
1 Career
1.1 2010: First Invasion
1.2 2011: Evolution, Over the Top, and Japanese debut
1.3 2012: Touring, individual activities and comeback
2 Members
3 Discography
3.1 Korean discography
3.2 Japanese discography
4 Music Programs
4.1 M! Countdown
4.2 KBS Music Bank
4.3 SBS Inkigayo
4.4 MBC Show Champion
5 Awards and nominations
5.1 Major awards
5.1.1 Golden Disk Awards
5.1.2 Seoul Music Awards
5.1.3 Mnet Asian Music Awards
5.1.4 Korean Music Awards
5.1.5 Melon Music Awards
5.2 Other awards and nominations
6 References
Career
2010: First Invasion
n 2010, Infinite first appeared in the reality show "You Are My Oppa" introducing the group before making their debut in June (9th). They performed songs from their first EP First Invasion with the singles "Come Back Again" and "She's Back"[1]
2011: Evolution, Over the Top, and Japanese debut
On January 7, 2011, the band debuted the single Before the Dawn (BTD) from their second EP Evolution. Promotions for BTD (Before the Dawn) ended on the February 17, 2011 on Inkigayo where Infinite performed a remix version of the song. The MV teaser for their next title song Nothing's Over, off their first single album Inspirit, was released on March 7, 2011. The full version was later released on March 16, 2011 ahead of their comeback stage on M! Countdown on March 17, 2011 where they performed both Nothing's Over and part of Shot. Infinite then continued promotions with their follow-up track Can U Smile on May 12 on Mnet’s "M! Countdown".
Their first album Over The Top was released on July 21, 2011 together with the MV of their title track Be Mine (내꺼하자). The MV teaser of their title track was first released on their official website at midnight of July 15 followed by an album preview on the 20th. The group then had their comeback on July 23, 2011 on Music Core. They received their First Music Show #1 Award in M! Countdown on September 1, 2011. They've received a "Double Crown" for winning two consecutive #1 wins at M! Countdown. Infinite re-release their First Album "Over the Top" as a Repackaged Album. This repackaged album was titled "Paradise". Paradise released on September 26, 2011. Woollim Entertainment revealed the music video teaser of Paradise, the repackaged album's promotional track on September 22, 2011. On 9th of October, Infinite came first on Inkigayo for Paradise. Infinite then won their second trophy with Paradise on October 13 on M! Countdown.
Infinite members' Sungyeol and L walked the runway in Fashion Week in Seoul.
In November 2011, INFINITE participated in "Birth of a Family" where they had to take care of three dogs.[2]
Infinite unofficially debuted in Japan with their first Japanese single To-Ra-Wa[3] on January 26, 2011. Immediately after its release, their Evolution album hit #3 on real-time charts for sales in Korea.[4] The song topped to #1 for ringtones on the daily charts of the K-POP section of Japan’s top mobile website. Infinite released various rental singles song including "She's Back", "BTD (Before The Dawn)", and "Nothing's Over" before they officially debuted in Japan. Infinite made their official debut with the Japanese version of BTD. BTD was released on November 19, 2011. The single was released in three versions, a CD+Photobook including a 40-page photobook, CD+DVD that includes their first Japanese showcase at Zepp Tokyo on July 21, 2011 as well as "BTD"'s music video and making-of, and regular edition. All editions comes with a random (1 out of 7) trading cards. The B-side for the single is "Can U Smile", a remake from their 2nd Mini Album EVOLUTION found at their 1st Single Album "Inspirit", track #3.
On December 2011, they released their first Christmas song "White Confession (Lately)". It was released digitally.
2012: Touring, individual activities and comeback
Infinite performed their very first Korean concert [5] in front of approximately 8,000 fans on February 11–12 at the Seoul Olympic Park in Songpa District, eastern Seoul. The concert was titled Second Invasion, following after the band's debut album, First Invasion. The tickets for the concert sold out within 10 minutes after being released online on December 14. A teaser for the concert was released.[6]
Dongwoo was featured on Baby Soul/Yoo Jia's new single "She's a Flirt" released on the 18th of January.[7]
L was cast in for the tvN TV drama "Shut Up Flower Boy Band" which started airing on the 30th of January.[8]
Sunggyu and Woohyun made their musical debuts in "Gwanghwamun Sonata" on the 7th of February to the 11th of March at the LG Arts Center.[9]
On April 1, an encore performance of Infinite's first concert "Second Invasion" was held, once again at the Seoul Olympic Park. The performance was titled "Second Invasion - Evolution". Ticket sales for the concert began on February 28, and instantly sold out all 10 000 seats.[10]
The encore performance also obtained a partnership with Youtube to broadcast parts of it live worldwide. Infinite is now the first K-pop group to ever live stream a concert through Youtube.[11]
"Be Mine" was remade to serve as their 2nd Japanese Single. It was released on April 18th 2012 with fourth versions, a CD+DVD limited edition ("SOLID VERSION"), two CD Only limited editions ("POP ART VERSION"/"INNOCENT VERSION"), and a regular CD Only edition. All the limited editions include a different packaging design and 9 photocards (of a total of 15 types). The title track is a Japanese version of their song "Naekkeohaja", which was the lead track for their Over the Top album. The single also includes the introduction track of the album, and a Japanese version of "Julia". Be Mine peaked at #2 both in Oricon Daily and Weekly Charts.[12] Total reported sales amount to 54,218 copies.
Infinite made their comeback with their 3rd Mini Album "INFINITIZE" with the title track "The Chaser". Before the official release, they released a prologue single "Only Tears" on May 07, 2012.
Infinite was awarded a "Triple Crown" for winning #1 in a week at all Music Programs.
Members
Stage Name[13] Birth Name[13] Date of Birth[13] Position[13]
Sunggyu Kim Sunggyu April 28, 1989 (age 23) Leader, Main vocalist
Dongwoo Jang Dongwoo November 22, 1990 (age 21) Main rapper, lead dancer
Woohyun Nam Woohyun February 8, 1991 (age 21) Main vocalist
Hoya Lee Howon March 28, 1991 (age 21) Rapper, vocalist, main dancer
Sungyeol Lee Sungyeol August 27, 1991 (age 20) Vocalist
L Kim Myungsoo March 13, 1992 (age 20) Visual, Vocalist
Sungjong Lee Sungjong September 3, 1992 (age 19) Vocalist
Discography
Main article: Infinite discography
Korean discography
Studio albums
2011: Over the Top
Mini-albums
2010: First Invasion
2011: Evolution
2012: Infinitize
Single Albums
2011: Inspirit
Digital Singles
2011: White Confession (Lately)
Japanese discography
Singles
2011: Before the Dawn (BTD)
2012: Be Mine
Music Programs
This is a list of awards Infinite has won on music programs.
M! Countdown
Year Date Song
2011 Sept 1 Be Mine (내꺼하자)
Sept 8
Oct 13 파라다이스 (Paradise)
2012 May 31 추격자 (The Chaser)
June 7
KBS Music Bank
Year Date Song
2012 June 1 추격자 (The Chaser)
SBS Inkigayo
Year Date Song
2011 Oct 9 파라다이스 (Paradise)
2012 June 3 추격자 (The Chaser)
MBC Show Champion
Year Date Song
2012 June 5 추격자 (The Chaser)
Awards and nominations
Further information: List of awards and nominations received by Infinite
Major awards
Golden Disk Awards
Bout Year Nominated work Award Result
26th [14] 2012 Over the Top
Disk Bonsang Award[15] Won
Be Mine Most Popular Artist Award[16] Nominated
MSN Most Popular Artist Award[17] Nominated
Infinite Hallyu Icon Award[15] Won
Seoul Music Awards
Bout Year Nominated work Award Result
20th[18] 2011 Infinite
Popularity Award Nominated
21th[19] 2012 Be Mine, Paradise
Bonsang Award[20] Nominated
Popularity Award[21] Nominated
Mnet Asian Music Awards
Bout Year Nominated work Award Result
13th 2011 Be Mine
Song of the Year[22] Nominated
Best Dance Performance by a Male Group[22] Nominated
Korean Music Awards
Bout Year Nominated work Award Result
9th 2012 Over the Top (Infinite album) Musician of the Year by Netizens[23] Won
Melon Music Awards
Bout Year Nominated work Award Result
3rd 2011 Infinite 2011 Top 10 [24] Nominated
Other awards and nominations
Year Award Nominated work Result
18th Korean Culture Entertainment Awards[25]
2010 New Generation Popular Music Teen Singer Award Won
Mnet M! Countdown Idol Dance Competition (with trophy)[26]
2011 Infinite - H (Hoya and Dongwoo) Won
The Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club (SFCC) PR Awards[27]
2011 Performances Group Won
Mnet M!Countdown Awards
2011
Best action of performance Scorpion Dance - BTD Won
Best attractive artist Infinite Nominated
BAD GUY who made fans cry Infinite Nominated
Miracle of 1sec Sungyeol - Infinite Nominated
SBS MTV Best of the Best Awards 2011[28]
2011
Music Video Segment - Best Male Infinite Nominated
Live Segment - Boy Group Infinite Nominated
2011 OBS Idol Stars Awards[29]
2011 Idol Growth No.1 Infinite Won
European K-Pop Awards (So-Loved Awards)[30]
2011
Best Song Infinite - Be Mine (내꺼 하자) Won
Best Choreography Infinite - Before the Dawn Won
Best Male Group Infinite Nominated
Best Music Video Infinite - Nothing's Over Nominated
Best Album Infinite - Over the Top Nominated
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